Long-range shooting continues to be all the rage, and there’s little wonder why. Engaging and hitting a target 1,000 yards and beyond is challenging, satisfying and downright fun!
However, the financial barrier to entry for this sport can be somewhat high for those of us who have to work for a living. Still, there are some purpose-built long range rifles that fit into the “budget” category, which we’ll define here as under $2,000. (That might sound high, but many are three to four times that price.)
Let’s take a look at nine budget rifles, in order of least expensive first, that might just help you scratch your long-range itch.
Best Budget Long-Range Rifles for the Money
Howa Oryx – $725
The Howa Oryx features a full monolithic aluminum chassis with adjustable length of pull and comb height for a perfect fit to nearly any shooter. The OD green stock contrasts nicely with the black metal finish of the action and the 1-in-10 twist 20-inch barrel. With an overall length of 39.5 inches, the rifle weighs in at 10.8 pounds and takes AICS-type mags. Note that the Howa Oryx is available only in .308 Win.
Bergara B-14 HMR – $1,079
The B-14 HMR rifle features Bergara’s integrated mini-chassis molded into the stock to give the rifle repeatable bedding and accuracy. The stock supports a fully free-floated, Cerakoted barrel that delivers a level of performance that is outstanding for the price range. The B-14 action is very smooth thanks to a two-lug system with sliding plate extractor and a coned bolt nose and breech. Available calibers include .308 Win., 6.5 Creedmoor, .22-250, .450 Bushmaster, 6.5 PRC, .300 Win. Mag., 300 PRC and 7 PRC.
Mossberg Patriot LR Tactical – $1,085
The Patriot LR Tactical delivers a high level of accuracy to extended ranges. The MDT stock is adjustable for both LOP and cheek rest height, and also features a contrasting checkered grip and M-LOK attachment slots. Aluminum V-block bedding of the barrel ensures top accuracy, and a top-mounted 20-MOA Picatinny rail allows for mounting a scope. With barrel length of 22 or 24 inches, the Patriot LF Tactical is available in .308 Win., 6.5 PRC and 6.5 Creedmoor.
Savage Model 10 BA Stealth – $1,099
The streamlined Model 10 BA Stealth caters long-range target shooting. The chassis is slim and machined from a single piece of aluminum. The FAB Defense buttstock features a rubber butt pad, has an adjustable cheek rest and is also adjustable for length. A Picatinny rail atop the action makes for easy mounting of an optic, and the gun uses AICS-type magazines. The heavy, 24-inch barrel is button rifled and custom-fit to the action. Calibers include .308 Win., 6.5 Creedmoor and 6mm Creedmoor.
Weatherby 307 Range XP – $1,200
Not a chassis rifle, the lightweight vertical grip stock still includes an adjustable cheekpiece and adjustable length of pull, providing a custom fit for any shooter. Range XP is compatible with many aftermarket 700-platform parts, making it the most open platform in the Weatherby lineup. With an upgraded, adjustable stock, trigger, bolt, fluted barrel and Accubrake, the Range XP brings a custom rifle feel, without the custom price. It’s available in 12 different calibers for range to hunting use.
Browning X-Bolt Max Long Range – $1,429.99
The Max Long Range addition to the storied X-Bolt lineup features a composite Max stock with fully adjustable comb and spacers for adjusting length of pull. The stainless, fluted heavy sporter barrel is bedded in the front and the rear of the action for stability and to help maintain barrel-to-stock spacing for consistent accuracy. It’s also threaded for a muzzle brake with 5/8″-24 TPI suppressor threads, and features an extended bolt handle and the Recoil Hawg muzzle brake. It’s available in 12 caliber offerings including 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC and .308 Win.
Tikka T3x UPR – $1,500
With a glass-fiber stock, the t3X UPR doesn’t look like some of the other long-range rifles on the list, but the features put it squarely in the arena. The lightweight carbon-fiber stock provides comfort, and carbon-fiber bedding surfaces increase the stiffness of the stock, improving the rifle’s accuracy. Other features include a cold hammer-forged barrel, oversized bolt knob and rough coating to take on inclement weather. Calibers include .308 Win., 6.5 Creedmoor and 6.5 PRC.
Ruger Hawkeye Long-Range Target – $1,619
This rifle’s two-tone target stock features a two-way adjustable comb and adjustable length of pull, along with a free-floated, cold hammer-forged 4140 chrome-moly steel barrel with 5R rifling. It also boasts an adjustable, two-stage target trigger with a short take-up stage, followed by a crisp, light target. Additionally, the non-rotating, Mauser-type controlled round feed extractor is among the most positive case extraction systems ever invented. Available calibers include .204 Ruger, .308 Win., .300 Win. Mag., 6.5 Creedmoor and 6.5 PRC
Colt CBX Precision – $1,899
Colt jumped into the precision rifle game in a big way with the CBX Precision model. The rifle’s carbon steel, button-rifled barrel and flat-bottom receiver are optimized for ballistic performance, and the gun is backed with a sub-MOA guarantee. The chassis features an adjustable length of pull and cheek weld, and the 15-inch forend offers an ARCA rail as well as M-Lok slots. It’s available in .308 Win. and 6.5 Creedmoor.
